Quick Guide to Growing Gerbera Daisy
Warm Season Annual/Tender Perennial
USDA Hardiness Zone: 8 to 10
Best Soil: Well-drained, rich in organic matter
Sunlight: Morning sun and afternoon shade
Watering: Avoid overhead irrigation
Care Tips: Deadhead spent blooms, space properly for airflow
Gerbera daisies (Gerbera jamesonii) are bright, colorful flowers that are commonly planted in gardens as bedding plants or in containers in South Carolina. They are native to South Africa, are members of the aster family and are also related to sunflowers and marigolds. The genus name Gerbera was named in honor of the 18th-century German naturalist Traugott Gerbera.
Gerbera daisies (Gerbera jamesonii) come in a variety of colors.
Paul Thompson, ©2003, Clemson Extension
Gerbera Daisy Characteristics
Flower Colors & Sizes
Gerbera daisies have long-lasting 3- to 4-inch flowers that come in numerous shades of yellow, white, pink, red, orange, lavender, salmon, and bicolored. The center floral disk can range from yellowish to a light-bronze to black color.
Foliage
Each flower is attached to a leafless stem that rises about 6 inches above the plant’s foliage, which is a tall 12-inch-wide clump of long, slightly “fuzzy” leaves.
Bloom Time and Longevity
Gerberas produce flowers from late spring through autumn in the garden, and their blooms make long-lasting cut flowers. Gerbera daisies typically grow 6 to 18 inches tall.
The flower of a gerbera daisy sits on a leafless stem held about 6 inches above the plant’s foliage.
Mark Arena, ©2006, Clemson Extension
Some gerbera daisies are bicolored, meaning they have two colors on their petals.
Mark Arena, ©2006, Clemson Extension
Gerbera daisies come in shades of yellow, white, pink, red, orange, lavender, salmon, and bicolored.
Mark Arena, ©2006, Clemson Extension
The center floral disk of a gerbera daisy can range from yellowish to a light-bronze to black color.
Mark Arena, ©2006 Clemson Extension
Are Gerbera Daisies Annuals or Perennials?
Growing Gerbera Daisies as Perennials
Typically grown as annuals, gerbera daisies are tender perennials in the warmer parts of South Carolina. Gardeners in USDA plant hardiness zone 8 may have success growing gerbera daisies as perennials if the garden is mulched, and the plants are protected from the freezing temperatures of winter. However, most homeowners plant gerberas as annuals each year or overwinter them indoors.
Overwintering Gerbera Daisies Indoors
Container-grown gerbera daisies can be brought indoors for overwintering. Keep plants barely moist and cool (45 °F to 50 °F) and provide sun and good air circulation.
If the soil is not well-drained, plant gerbera daisies in a container.
Callen Outen, ©2019, Clemson Extension
How to Grow and Care for Gerbera Daisies
Best Soil for Gerbera Daisies
Good soil drainage is important for growing gerberas because excessive moisture can lead to crown disease and root rot. If the soil does not have good drainage, consider growing the gerberas in containers or raised beds. Gerberas also like soil enriched with compost. Their soil moisture needs are average once they have become rooted, but make sure the transplants get plenty of water when they are first planted.
Planting Time
Plant gerbera daisies in the spring after the danger of frost has passed. Space them 12 to 18 inches apart, with the crown of the plant at or slightly above the soil level. The crown is the point where the stem and roots meet the soil.
Sunlight Requirements
Due to the extreme summer heat in the South, gerberas grow best in areas where they receive morning sun and afternoon shade.
Watering Tips
When watering, avoid overhead irrigation to prevent the spread of foliar diseases. The crown should be allowed to dry out between waterings to reduce the risk of crown and root rots. Discourage fungal disease by watering early in the day so the leaves can dry out before nightfall.
Conserve Soil Moisture and Prevent Weeds
Mulch around the plants with a 2- to 3-inch layer of organic matter, such as pine straw or pine bark, to conserve soil moisture and reduce weed growth. Mulching helps reduce the need for mechanical and chemical weed control. For more information, see HGIC 1604, Mulch.
How to Promote Additional Flowers
Deadhead spent blooms, removing their stems to the next stem, bud, or leaf to promote additional flowering. For more information, see HGIC The Gardener’s Toolkit: Deadheading.
Fertilizing Gerbera Daisies
When to Fertilize
Fertilizing gerbera daisies is important to produce the best-looking plants. Apply a controlled-release fertilizer two to three times during the growing season or use a liquid fertilizer every two weeks.
Common Nutrient Deficiencies
Gerberas can suffer from iron and manganese deficiencies, especially in potting soil; therefore, use a granular or foliar fertilizer spray containing these micronutrients.
Gerbera Daisy Pests & Diseases
How to Identify & Treat Insect Pests
Common pests on gerbera daisies include whiteflies, aphids, thrips, and spider mites. Neem oil or insecticidal soap sprays will aid in controlling these pests. Do not use neem oil or insecticidal soap sprays when the temperature is above 90 °F or in full sun, as this may damage the plants. Spraying in the late evening is better than spraying in the morning to protect pollinating insects. Always follow the directions on the label. For more information on neem oil, see HGIC 2770, Less Toxic Insecticides. For more information on insecticidal soaps, see HGIC 2771, Insecticidal Soaps for Garden Pest Control.
Fungal Diseases
Overly moist soils can lead to stem and root rot. Gray mold, powdery mildew, and anthracnose are the most common causes of stem and root rots. Allow the soil to slightly dry out in between waterings to help avoid disease problems. For more information on powdery mildew, see HGIC 2049, Powdery Mildew.
Originally published 01/20
